Nearly six months after launching a Progressive Web App. Ola has launched another solution targeted at those with poor internet connections. The Bengaluru-based cab aggregator has launched Ola Lite, a lightweight app.
The company claims that the lightweight app consumes less than 1MB space and loads within three seconds without compromising on the booking experience. “The app provides a seamless experience even with the lowest Internet connectivity, making it an ideal solution to cater to the needs of millions of Indians residing in tier 2 and tier 3 towns,” the company said in a statement.
Ola Lite is targeting towards emerging towns and cities in India that have dodgy internet connections.
Built leveraging the recently-launched Progressive Web App (PWA) technology, Lite is quick and nimble in functioning with fast reflexes. The Lite app has booking features such as mobile number based signup instead of email, the app brings all fares upfront allowing the user to choose what works best for them, a crisp and clear ride information screen, and offering navigation on demand to save on data loads.
The app is separate from the original app and is available on the Play Store. A user can download both apps to use the Lite app when there is bad internet connection. The backend too of the regular app, the Lite app and the progressive web app is all integrated. Meaning, a trip taken on any of the apps will get integrated and reflect of all platforms.
Ola launched its Progressive Web App in May, which consumes only 50kb data on first load and 10kb on subsequent loads. It claimed to be the first ride hailing app in the Asia Pacific region to use PWA technology. Ola, which used to let users book rides from its website as well, discontinued it and went app-only in 2015.